> Hello All,
> I just got a request from an MD colleague for info on the need for Vit D
> supplementation in breastfed infants.  She says she has been recommending
> against drops for years, but has been doing some research and finding most
> sources are in support of the need to give Vit D.  I searched the archives,
> found a few matches, but all the refs are older than 1985.  Does anyone have
> anything newer for me?
> TIA from
> Martha Johnson RN IBCLC

hello Martha,
I do not have references on hand, but in looking for more info, one should focus
on ''living in the climate that belonges to the genes'', to put it political
correct. In that case the amount of vit D in breastmilk is in tune with the
baby's needs.
It is known that white skin in hot sun and coloured skin in less hot sun do not
make as much vit. D as needed. My rule of thumb is that children with genes that
match the geographical area they live in and that are exposed to the sun/open
air with a reasonable amount of skin (face and hands) for a minimum of 30
minutes daily and are exclusively breastfed by a mother fitting in the same
picture does not need any vit. D supplementation. For example a native Amsterdam
mother that has a daily walk with her child in the open air does not have to
supplement, while her Turkish neighbour, who is covered with clothing top to toe
and hardly taking her child out and having a somewhat coloured skin will have to
supplement.

Gonneke van Veldhuizen, IBCLC, Maaseik, Belgium
http://www.users.skynet.be/eurolac
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